Automating your World: An introduction to machine control

Welcome to the first Automating your World column, a series of advice articles by Aptella’ technical experts. In this series of articles, we will be exploring the various aspects of machine control solutions – from a simple stick-on laser receiver on a backhoe to full blown 3D machine control systems using satellite positioning technology to automatically control motor graders, dozers, excavators, pavers and profilers. Sometimes referred to as grade control systems, machine control systems are now an everyday sight on construction sites around the world. If you do not already use such systems, chances are that you soon will. Just a few years ago, contractors bought machine control systems to get a ‘leg up’ on their competition. The